Golf club head having sole side features

Abstract

The golf club head can comprise a hollow body having a shell that defines at least a portion of the outer surface of the golf club head, the hollow body can include a ball striking face, a crown, a hosel, a sole, and a rear end opposite the ball striking face. The recess can be located on the sole and can extend toward the interior of the hollow body. The opening can be located within the recess and can be defined by one or more sidewalls. The weight insert can be inserted into the recess and the opening and can comprise a first end, a second end, and a central portion disposed therebetween. The first end can extend outwardly from the central portion in a toe-to-heel direction, and the second end can extend outwardly from the central portion in a heel-to-toe direction. The weight can be disposed within the weight insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure generally relates to golf club heads, and more particularly to wood-type golf club heads (e.g., hollow golf club heads) having one or more sole-side features.

Background Art

[0002] Current driver and fairway wood golf club heads are typically formed of steel or titanium alloys. For example, large driver heads with a volume exceeding 300 cc are usually formed of lightweight titanium alloys such as Ti 6Al-4V. However, unless modified, oversize heads may have a relatively high center of gravity (COG), which can adversely affect the launch angle, spin, and flight trajectory of the golf ball. Generally, club heads are weighted rearward to provide a higher moment of inertia (MOI), which generally causes a deeper (farther from the face in the face-rear direction) COG and, thus, can project a higher "sweet spot" onto the face. A high sweet spot can impart an undesirably large amount of backspin to the ball after contact, which can adversely affect the ball's flight distance and other characteristics. Thus, many club heads have, for example, slots or weight pads cast into the head to lower the club's center of gravity and bring the center of gravity closer to the front of the club (i.e., near the ball-striking face).

[0003] Some golf clubs currently on the market include sole features disposed proximate to the face for the purpose of improving the launch conditions of a golf ball and lowering the center of gravity of the club. These sole features are often slots or grooves having parallel sidewalls, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this example, the body of club head 10 may include a ball striking face 12, a sole 14, and a slot 16. Slot 16 has sidewalls 18 having a height 19 and an upper wall 20 having a width 21. The slot 16 adds flexibility to the face 12, and thus can also improve the coefficient of restitution (COR), thereby improving the ball launch characteristics.

[0004] Attempts to improve performance using this design include adding weight directly to the sole 14 of the club, or indirectly by increasing the slot height 19, the slot width 21, and / or the thickness of the upper wall 20. However, increasing the slot height 19 generally raises the COG of the club. This also makes it more difficult to remove the club head from the mold during the manufacturing process. On the other hand, widening the width 21 may increase the likelihood of an undesirable interaction (e.g., snagging) between the club and the turf during play. Increasing the thickness of the upper wall 20 or the sole 14 is common, but its effectiveness in providing a desirable balanced club head (e.g., for affecting the desired MOI and / or COG) and / or providing a sufficiently low sweet spot position on the face of the club head is often limited. Thus, while this design can improve the COR, it does so at the expense of controlling the COG position and / or the sweet spot position.

[0005] These slot structures are typically selected to facilitate manufacturing but do not provide optimized ball launch conditions. Further, as described above, attempting to cast, for example, thicker walls or deeper slots can cause casting defects and other manufacturing problems, thus limiting the design of these slot structures. As a result of these limitations, conventional slot designs are limited in their ability to improve COR and move the COG. Further, conventional slot designs serve to remove mass from low positions near the face of the clubhead, which can negatively impact the clubhead's ability to provide an MOI, COG, and / or sweet spot position that sufficiently enhances the performance of the clubhead.

[0006] Certain clubheads are designed to improve the mass distribution of the clubhead, but such designs often tend to undesirably transmit stress to various points within the clubhead, which can potentially shorten the clubhead's lifespan. More recently, some designs can include various structures formed or cast into the sole, crown, or other portions of the clubhead and can thus redistribute stress throughout the clubhead (e.g., as compared to conventional clubheads), but some of these and / or other designs can result in the generation of undesirable vibrations when the clubhead impacts the ball, causing discomfort to the player using the clubhead. Further, some of these and / or other designs can limit manufacturability as the increasingly complex structures can, for example, make mold removal more difficult during manufacturing, which can slow cycle times.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a golf club structure that provides improved golf ball launch conditions while ensuring a sufficiently low sweet spot position on the face of the club head. There is also a need for a golf club structure that provides greater control over COG and COR. In addition, the club must be readily castable using conventional casting techniques. Further, the club must have a structure that allows for reduction of stress concentration during the ball striking event.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] These and other problems can be addressed by the techniques described herein. The present disclosure generally relates to a wood-type golf club, and more particularly to a golf club head having a ball striking face, a crown, a sole, a rear portion opposite the ball striking face, and a skirt connecting the ball striking face, the crown, the sole, and the rear portion to form a hollow structure. The sole can include one or more features for adding additional weight to the head of the golf club.

[0009] The techniques of the present disclosure include a golf club head having a hollow body including a shell defining at least a portion of the outer surface of the golf club head. The hollow body can include a ball striking face, a crown, a hosel, a sole, and a rear end opposite the ball striking face. The golf club head can include a recess located in the sole. The recess can extend inwardly towards the interior of the hollow body. The golf club head can include an opening located within the recess and extending inwardly towards the interior of the hollow body. The opening can be defined by one or more sidewalls. The golf club head can include a weight insert configured to be inserted into the recess and the opening.

[0010] The weighted insert can comprise an insert body having a first end, a second end, and a central portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end can extend outward from the central portion in a toe-heel direction, and the second end can extend outward from the central portion in a heel-toe direction. The weighted insert can include a weight disposed within the weighted insert body.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the weighted insert can comprise a central portion having a first end and a second end. The weighted insert can comprise a first wing extending outward from the first end in a direction extending at least partially in a toe-heel direction and at least partially in an anterior-posterior direction. The weighted insert can include a second wing extending outward from the second end in a direction extending at least partially in a heel-toe direction and at least partially in an anterior-posterior direction.

[0012] At least one of the first and second wings can have a first width at a proximal end relative to the central portion and a second width at a distal end relative to the central portion, and the first and second widths can be measured in the anterior-posterior direction. At least one of the first and second wings can taper from the first width to the second width.

[0013] The first wing can have a first width and a second width, the proximal end can be a first proximal end, and the distal end can be a first distal end. The second wing can have a third width at a second proximal end relative to the central portion and a fourth width at a second distal end relative to the central portion, and the third and fourth widths are measured in the anterior-posterior direction. The third width can be different from the first width. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth width can be different from the second width.

[0014] The recess can have the same cross-sectional shape as the cross-sectional shape of the weighted insert such that one or more outer surfaces of the weighted insert contact one or more walls of the recess.

[0015] The rearmost portion of the leading edge of the central portion of the weight insert can be closer to the ball striking face than the foremost portion of one of the first and second ends. The rearmost portion of the leading edge of the central portion of the weight insert can be closer to the ball striking face than the foremost portions of both the first and second ends.

[0016] The weight insert can be symmetric along a plane extending in the sole-crown direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0017] The minimum width of the central portion of the weight insert can be located at or near the midpoint of the central portion. Alternatively or additionally, the minimum width of the central portion of the weight insert can be located on the centerline of the ball striking face.

[0018] The weight insert can include a protrusion extending from the inner surface of the weight insert. The protrusion can be configured to at least partially extend into the opening of the recess. The protrusion of the weight insert can include a lip configured to hold the weight insert within the opening by abutting one or more surfaces of the sidewall of the opening. The protrusion of the weight insert can include an elastically deformable material. The weight insert can include an elastically deformable material and a UV-resistant additive.

[0019] The shell can include an integral part that forms at least (i) around the ball striking face, (ii) the hosel, and (iii) a skirt extending around a rear peripheral portion of the hollow body that extends between a front heel portion of the hollow body and a front toe portion of the hollow body and is positioned between the crown and the sole. The rear peripheral portion can include the rear end of the hollow body.

[0020] The shell can include a sole opening and a crown opening, and the golf club head can include a sole insert attached to the shell and configured to cover the sole opening, and a crown insert attached to the shell and configured to cover the crown opening.

[0021] The weight can include a material having a density greater than the density of the weight insert.

[0022] The shell can include a channel located rearward from the recess. The shell can include one or more trusses or ribs disposed inside the hollow body. Some or all of the one or more trusses (or ribs) can extend between the inner surface of the recess and the inner surface of the channel.

[0023] The shell can include a protrusion extending outward from the shell. The protrusion can include a weight opening, and the golf club head can include a secondary weight configured to be at least partially inserted into the weight opening. The secondary weight can extend inside the hollow body and / or the secondary weight can have a generally vertically elongated shape.

[0024] The technology of the present disclosure can include a golf club head having a hollow body including a shell defining at least a portion of an outer surface of the golf club head. The hollow body can include a ball striking face, a crown, a hosel, a sole, and a rear end opposite the ball striking face. The golf club head can include a recess located in the sole. The recess can extend inwardly toward the inside of the hollow body. The golf club head can further include an opening located in the recess and extending inwardly toward the inside of the hollow body. The opening can be defined by one or more side walls. The golf club head can include a weight insert configured to be inserted into the recess and the opening. The weight insert can include an elastically deformable material and a UV resistant additive.

[0025] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are described in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the following description of specific examples of the present disclosure in conjunction with the drawings. The features of the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific examples and figures, but all examples of the present disclosure may include one or more of the features described herein. Further, one or more examples may be described as having certain advantageous features, but one or more of such features may be used in conjunction with various other examples of the present disclosure described herein. Similarly, examples may be described below as an apparatus, system, or method, but it should be understood that such examples may be implemented in various apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The detailed description will explain exemplary embodiments of the invention with advantages and features by referring to the drawings as examples.

[0028] The technology of the present disclosure includes one or more features on the sole of a golf club head for reducing vibration of the club head during and / or after impact with a golf ball, reducing stress on the club head during and / or after impact with a golf ball, and / or reducing spin resulting from the impact on the ball (e.g., by distributing mass within the club head such that the center of gravity is near the sole and the ball striking face).

[0029] As will be described more fully herein, the club head can have a substantially skeletal shell and can add weight to the forward bottom region by using weights. The weights can be included in or incorporated into inserts that include one or more elastic and / or polymeric materials. The weight slots can include, for example, a waveform to increase the weight of the slot without adding to the thickness of the slot walls. In some embodiments, the weight slots can include two or more waveforms. The club head can include one or more outer pieces that can be attached to the shell to form at least a portion of the outer surface of the club head, such as a portion or all of the crown and / or sole. The club head can include a counterweight positioned rearward from the insert, such as at or near the rear of the club head opposite the ball striking face. The club head can include an adapter at the hosel of the club head that can enable attachment of a shaft to the club head. Although the description herein focuses primarily on the club head, the present disclosure contemplates a golf club including any club head described herein, and the technology of the present disclosure includes a golf club having a grip and a shaft connected to any of the club heads of the present disclosure.

[0030] For clarity of explanation, the present invention is described herein as a wood-type golf club. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not so limited. The materials described below as constituting the various elements of the present invention are intended to be exemplary and not limiting. Many suitable materials that perform the same or similar functions as the materials described herein are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials developed since the development of the present invention.

[0031] Although various aspects of the technology of the present disclosure are described in detail herein, it should be understood that other aspects of the technology of the present disclosure are also contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the technology of the present disclosure be limited in its scope to the explicitly described in the following description or to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components shown in the drawings.

[0032] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing "a" component are intended to include other components in addition to those recited.

[0033] Also, in describing the technology of the present disclosure, terms are used for clarity. Each term is intended to have its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and is intended to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose.

[0034] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and / or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, the disclosed technology can include from one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Further, a range stated as being between a first value and a second value includes the first and second values. Similarly, a range stated as from a first value to a second value includes the first and second values.

[0035] As used herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” is open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and does not exclude the presence of other structures, materials, or acts. Similarly, the use of terms such as “can” or “may” is open-ended and is intended to reflect that a structure, material, or act is not essential, but the lack of use of such terms is not intended to reflect that a structure, material, or act is essential. To the extent that a structure, material, or act is presently considered essential, it is so specified.

[0036] It should also be understood that the recitation of one or more method steps does not exclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those explicitly recited. Further, the term “step” can be used herein to subsume different manners of the methods used, but should not be construed as implying a particular order among or within the various steps disclosed herein, except where the order of individual steps is explicitly required. Further, the disclosed technology does not necessarily require all of the steps included in the methods and processes described herein. That is, the disclosed technology includes methods in which one or more steps explicitly described with respect to the methods described herein are omitted.

[0037] The components described below as constituting various elements of the technology of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many suitable components that perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the technology of the present disclosure. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components developed after the development of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0038] As described above, a common problem with conventional golf clubs is that adjusting the height of the sweet spot on the face of the club head is often limited by the ability to increase the wall thickness or depth of the slot feature on the sole of the club head. This can be due to conventional manufacturing techniques that limit the wall thickness that can be used without manufacturing defects or limit the depth of the weight slot due to casting limitations. Additionally, deeper slot features can increase the height of the sweet spot on the face of the club. This limits the range in which the COG can be moved forward. Some designs add weights or the like to the club head, but these designs can introduce undesirable vibrations during use and / or may require difficult and / or expensive manufacturing methods.

[0039] In an effort to solve these problems, referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 3-8, the technology of the present disclosure includes a club head 100 having a ball striking face 101, a rear portion 102 on the opposite side of the ball striking facing 101, a heel end 103, and a toe end 104. A hosel 105 can be located at the heel end 103. The club head 100 includes a shell 110 that provides the structure of the club head 100. That is, the shell 110 can be a skeletal component configured to at least partially receive one or more components and define the outer surface of the club head 100. The shell 110 can form at least a portion of the outer surface of the club head 100. For example, the shell 100 can be integrated with the ball striking face 101. Alternatively, the ball striking face 101 can be a separate component that can be at least partially inserted and / or attached to the shell 110. The ball striking face 101 can have a constant thickness. Alternatively, the ball striking face 101 can have a variable thickness such that a portion of the ball striking face 101 has a minimum thickness and another portion of the ball striking face 101 has a maximum thickness. The shell 110 can be made of (or can include) metal, for example, and can include titanium, aluminum, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, steel (e.g., stainless steel), and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the shell 110 can be made of (or include) a composite material such as a fiber-polymer composite material, resin, or any other useful material. The shell 110 can be a single-piece component that can help reduce the overall vibration of the assembled club head 100. Alternatively, the shell 110 can be assembled from two or more parts, which can help improve ease, such as during molding in manufacturing.

[0040] The club head 100 can include an insert 120 disposed rearwardly from the ball striking face 101. The position and shape of the insert 120 can, among other things, affect the coefficient of gravity and / or the coefficient of restitution of the club head 110. At least a portion of the insert 120 can be substantially parallel to the ball striking face 101. The insert 120 can be symmetric (e.g., with respect to a plane extending between the sole and the crown and between the ball striking face 101 and the rear portion 102), or substantially symmetric. Alternatively, as shown, the insert 120 can be asymmetric. The insert can include plastic or another elastic material. For example, the insert 120 can be made of (or can include) polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane), polypropylene, etc. As an example, the insert 120 can include substantially transparent or translucent thermoplastic polyurethane, enabling the visibility of internal components such as weights 125 disposed within the insert 120, as more fully described herein. The outer surface of the insert 120 can have a curvature that follows the curvature of the periphery of the club head 100 (e.g., the curvature of the shell 110 in the region directly surrounding the insert 120). A part or all of the insert 120 can be in the same plane as a portion of the club head adjacent to the insert 120 (e.g., the shell 110). Alternatively or additionally, a part or all of the insert 120 can be recessed from an adjacent portion of the club head (e.g., the shell 110).

[0041] The width of insert 120 (in the face-to-rear direction) can vary across the heel-to-toe direction of club head 100. For example, as shown, the width of insert 120 can have a local minimum width at or near the centerline of ball striking face 101, and the width of the recess can increase along the direction from the center to the heel and / or the direction from the center to the toe. The width of insert 120 can increase until certain points, such as the ends of the central portion of insert 120, are met. Alternatively or additionally, the width of insert 120 can increase until it reaches a certain position in the heel-to-toe direction that coincides with or substantially coincides with the position where the groove of ball striking face 101 terminates. Thereafter, (e.g., until reaching another local minimum width), as it continues in the direction from the center to the heel and / or the direction from the center to the toe, the width can decrease gradually or in other ways. The minimum width of insert 120 can be at or near the ends of the wings of recess 112.

[0042] Insert 120 can include insert weight 125. Insert weight 125 can be substantially or completely recessed within the material of insert 120. As can be seen most clearly from FIG. 18, insert weight 125 can generally have an I-beam cross-sectional shape and can serve to ensure sufficient surface contact between insert weight 125 and insert 120. That said, other cross-sectional shapes, such as any polygon, are also conceivable. Insert weight 125 can include a high-density material such as tungsten or stainless steel. Insert weight 125 can have a density that is at least about 4 times greater than the density of insert 120 (i.e., excluding insert weight 125). Alternatively or additionally, insert weight 125 can have a density that is at least about 7 times the density of insert 120.

[0043] The shell 110 can include a recess 112 positioned rearward from the ball striking face 101. The recess 112 can be configured to receive a part or all of the insert 120. The recess 112 can include a central portion that can be substantially parallel to at least a part of the ball striking face 101 (e.g., the center of the ball striking face 101 or near it, the "sweet spot" of the ball striking face 101 or the ideal contact position or near it). Alternatively, the central portion can be offset from the center and / or the "sweet spot" of the ball striking face 101. The recess 112 can include wings on both sides of the central portion. The central portion can have a first shape (e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, square, rectangular), and one or both of the wings can have a second shape (e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, square, rectangular). The wings can have the same or different shapes. The wings can be made substantially the same so that the recess 122 is symmetric (e.g., with respect to a plane extending between the sole and the crown and between the ball striking face 101 and the rear portion 102), or substantially symmetric. Alternatively, the wings can have different sizes and / or shapes so that the recess 112 is asymmetric. The wings can extend rearwardly and outwardly. That is, the heel-side wing can extend from the central portion in a direction that extends at least partially toward the heel end 103 and / or at least partially toward the rear portion 102. Similarly, the toe-side wing can extend from the central portion in a direction that extends at least partially toward the toe end 104 and / or at least partially toward the rear portion 102. The wings can extend linearly or substantially linearly. Alternatively, the wings can be curved. One or both of the ends of the recess 112 (e.g., the tips of the toe-side and / or heel-side wings) can be open ends. Alternatively or additionally, one or both of the ends of the recess 112 can be recessed with respect to the adjacent outer surface of the club head 100.

[0044] The foremost portion of a given wing can be shifted rearward from the foremost portion closest to the central portion. That is, the rearmost portion of the leading edge of the central portion can be brought closer to the ball striking face than the foremost portion of one or both wings. Alternatively or additionally, the portion of the leading edge of the central portion closest to the toe and / or the portion closest to the heel can transition directly to the most central portion of the leading edge of one or both wings.

[0045] The recess 112 can include an opening 114 that can extend within the internal volume of the club head 100. The opening 114 can be configured to receive the protrusion of the insert 120, as more fully described herein. The opening 114 can be configured to receive a portion or all of the insert 120. The opening 114 can have the same or substantially the same outer shape and / or geometric shape as a portion or all of the outer edge of the recess 112. For example, the opening 114 can have the same size (e.g., area as viewed from the sole) and shape as the recess 112. Alternatively, the opening 114 can have a size smaller (e.g., area as viewed from the sole) than the recess 112, and / or the opening 114 can have a shape different from the shape of the recess 112. As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 114 can be substantially trapezoidal. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 114 can be rectangular, square, triangular, or any other shape.

[0046] The maximum face thickness of the club head 100 can be in the range of about 3 mm to about 4 mm (e.g., about 3.6 mm), in the range of about 2 mm to about 3 mm (e.g., about 2.25 mm), or in the range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm (e.g., about 1.9 mm).

[0047] The width (front-to-back direction) of the recess 112 can be in the range of about 8 mm to about 9 mm (e.g., about 8.6 mm), in the range of about 7 mm to about 8 mm (e.g., about 7.4 mm), or in the range of about 6 mm to about 7 mm (e.g., about 6.2 mm).

[0048] The width (front - rear direction) of the opening 114 can be in the range of about 5 mm to about 7 mm (for example, about 6 mm), or in the range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm (for example, about 3.9 mm).

[0049] The length (toe - heel direction) of the opening 114 can be in the range of about 45 mm to about 60 mm (for example, about 53.8 mm), in the range of about 30 mm to about 45 mm (for example, about 35.5 mm), or in the range of about 20 mm to about 35 mm (for example, about 30.1 mm).

[0050] The length (toe - heel direction) of the insert 120 can be in the range of about 45 mm to about 60 mm (for example, about 54.4 mm), in the range of about 30 mm to about 45 mm (for example, about 40 mm), or in the range of about 20 mm to about 35 mm (for example, about 31.1 mm).

[0051] The width (front - rear direction) of the insert 120 can be in the range of about 4 mm to about 6 mm (for example, about 5 mm), in the range of about 3 mm to about 4 mm (for example, about 3.7 mm), or in the range of about 2 mm to about 3 mm (for example, about 2.9 mm).

[0052] The width (face - rear direction) of the recess 112 can vary along the heel - toe direction of the club head 100. For example, as shown in the figure, the width of the recess 112 can have a local minimum width at or near the center line of the ball - striking face 101, and the width of the recess can increase along the direction from the center to the heel and / or from the center to the toe. The width of the recess 112 can increase until a specific point such as the end of the central portion of the recess 112 is reached. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the recess 112 can increase until it reaches a position in the heel - toe direction that coincides with or is approximately coincident with the position where the groove of the ball - striking face 112 terminates. Thereafter, (for example, until another local minimum width is reached) as it continues in the direction from the center to the heel and / or from the center to the toe, the width can decrease gradually or in other ways. The minimum width of the recess 112 can be at or near the end of the wing of the recess 112.

[0053] The recess 112 and the opening 114 can each have side walls that extend inwardly within the internal volume of the club head 110. The recess 112 can have a bottom surface having a maximum depth that is less than the maximum depth of the side walls that form the opening (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). Alternatively, the side walls of the opening 114 can be omitted such that the opening 114 is simply a hole in the bottom surface of the recess 112. The bottom surface of the recess 112 can be substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the ball striking face. Alternatively or additionally, a given position of the bottom surface of the recess 112 can be substantially parallel to a corresponding position on the outer surface of the club head (e.g., including the insert 120). That is, the insert 120 can have a constant thickness in the portion of the insert 120 that overlaps the recess 112 but does not overlap the opening 114. Alternatively, the insert can have varying thicknesses in the portion of the insert 120 that overlaps the recess 112 but does not overlap the opening 114. As shown in FIG. 19, the maximum depth of the side walls that define the opening 114 (e.g., relative to the ground) can be less than the height of the leading edge 107 of the club head 100 (e.g., relative to the ground) by a distance X. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum depth of the side walls can be at a height that is lower than the height of the lower edge of the face 101 (e.g., the lower edge of the face 101 is the point at which there is a substantial change in curvature from the main face surface, such as when the main face surface transitions to the sole). Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the leading edge 107 (e.g., the transition from the main face surface to the sole) can be rounded or substantially rounded, thereby allowing the height of the leading edge to be higher (e.g., compared to a design where the leading edge shape is at a sharper angle). Further, such rounded and / or blunt leading edges can serve to provide a better (e.g., smoother) interaction with the turf and / or less penetration of the club head 100 into the ground upon impact.

[0054] The shell 110 can include a channel 116. The channel 116 can be located rearward from the insert 112. When viewed in cross-section, the channel 116 can have an A-shaped or V-shaped configuration. That is, the channel 116 can include two opposing walls when viewed in cross-section, and the two opposing walls can intersect or otherwise meet (e.g., near the center of the channel 116) to form a point (e.g., peak, valley) or a bend. Alternatively, the opposing walls can intersect with a third wall extending between the opposing walls. One, some, or all of the walls can extend linearly. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the walls can be curved.

[0055] The maximum depth of the channel 116 can be approximately equal to the maximum depth of the recess 112. Alternatively, the maximum depth of the channel 116 can be less than the maximum depth of the recess 112. As another alternative, the maximum depth of the channel 116 can be greater than the maximum depth of the recess 112. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum depth of the channel 116 can be greater than the maximum depth of the recess 112 and less than the maximum depth of the sidewall defining the opening 114. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum depth of the channel 116 can be greater than both the maximum depth of the recess 112 and the maximum depth of the sidewall defining the opening 114.

[0056] From the bottom view (e.g., FIG. 9), channel 116 can include a central portion that can be substantially parallel to at least a portion of the ball striking face 101 (e.g., the center of the ball striking face 101 or near it, the "sweet spot" of the ball striking face 101 or the ideal contact location or near it). Alternatively, the central portion can be offset from the center and / or the "sweet spot" of the ball striking face 101. Channel 116 can include wings 119A and 119B on both sides of the central portion (as shown in FIG. 10). Wings 119A and 119B can be made substantially the same so that the channel is symmetric (e.g., with respect to the plane extending between the sole and the crown and between the ball striking face 101 and the rear portion 102), or substantially symmetric. Alternatively, wings 119A and 119B can have different sizes and / or shapes so that channel 116 is asymmetric. Wings 119A and 119B can extend rearwardly and outwardly. That is, the heel-side wing 119B can extend from the central portion in a direction that extends at least partially toward the heel end 103 and / or at least partially toward the rear portion 102. Similarly, the toe-side wing 119A can extend from the central portion in a direction that extends at least partially toward the toe end 104 and / or at least partially toward the rear portion 102. Wings 119A and 119B can extend linearly or substantially linearly. Alternatively, wings 119A and 119B can be curved. One or both ends of channel 116 (e.g., the tips of the toe-side and / or heel-side wings 119A and 119B) can be open ends. Alternatively or additionally, one or both ends of channel 116 can be recessed with respect to the adjacent outer surface of the club head 100.

[0057] The club head 100 can include a sole or insert 130 that is at least partially located on the sole of the club head 100. The sole insert 130 can be located on the sole at a position rearward from the channel 116. The sole insert 130 can be made of or include metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel), composite material (e.g., fiber-polymer composite material, resin), or any other useful material, depending on the desired mass distribution and / or target performance characteristics (e.g., fade bias, draw bias) of the club head. The sole insert 130 can extend across part or all of the sole in the heel-to-toe direction. As shown, the sole insert 130 can extend across substantially all of the rear quadrant of the sole. The sole insert 130 can include one or more channels, such as the channels shown in FIGS. 3-5 for example. The inclusion or omission of one or more channels, as well as the size and positioning of such channels, can affect the mass distribution and / or performance characteristics of the club head.

[0058] The club head 100 can include a protrusion 150 that extends outwardly from the contoured surface (e.g., the shell 110) of the club head 100 that may be most recognizable in FIG. 5. The protrusion 150 can be located at or near the rear portion 102 of the club head 100. As shown, the protrusion 150 can be located in the rear heel quadrant of the sole. The protrusion 150 can extend substantially in an outward direction (e.g., in the sole direction relative to the center of the club head 100), but in such a case, the contour of the club head 100 at the rear portion 102 and the rearward position of the protrusion 150 can be sufficient to prevent the protrusion 150 from digging into the ground or otherwise interacting negatively with the ground during use. The protrusion 150 can extend outwardly from the smooth contour of the club head. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, the protrusion 150 can be separated from the general contour of the sole via a trench or channel that can be shaped similarly to the channel 116. The rearmost edge or wall of this trench or channel can be at least partially defined by the corresponding sidewall of the protrusion 150.

[0059] The protrusion 150 can include a weight opening 152 configured to receive a weight 155. The weight 155 can be configured to be permanently attached within the weight opening 152. Alternatively, the weight 155 can be configured to be removably attached to the weight opening 152. For example, the weight 155 and the weight opening 152 can include threads for screwing the weight into the weight opening 152. Accordingly, the weight 155 can be configured to be removed and exchanged with a different weight 155 having a greater or lesser mass depending on the desired mass distribution and / or performance characteristics.

[0060] At least a portion of the weight 155 can have a generally vertically elongated shape (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder), and can be configured to extend inwardly toward the internal volume of the club head 100 when installed. The weight 155 can have the same or substantially the same mass as the insert 120. Alternatively, the weight 155 can have a mass smaller than that of the insert 120. As another alternative, the weight 155 can have a mass larger than that of the insert 120.

[0061] The club head 100 can include a crown portion or insert 140 that is at least partially located on the crown of the club head 100. The crown insert 140 can be made of or include metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel), composite material (e.g., fiber - polymer composite material, resin), or any other useful material, depending on the desired mass distribution and / or target performance characteristics (e.g., fade bias, draw bias) of the club head. The crown insert 140 can extend across a part or all of the crown in the heel - toe direction. The crown insert 140 can extend substantially across all of the rear toe quadrant and / or the rear heel quadrant of the crown. The crown insert 140 can have a substantially smooth and contoured exterior, and can be configured to join with the shell 110 such that the outer surface of the crown insert 140 smoothly transitions to the outer surface of the shell 110 that surrounds the crown insert 140.

[0062] The sole insert 130 and / or the crown insert 140 can be sized (e.g., surface area and / or thickness) and shaped to achieve the desired mass distribution and / or performance characteristics of the club head 100.

[0063] The club head 100 can include a shaft adapter 160. The adapter 160 can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the hosel 105 of the club head 100, and an adapter screw 165 can be configured to attach the adapter 160 to the club head 100. The club head 100 (e.g., the shell 110) can include an access opening on the sole side of the heel, which can provide access for inserting the adapter screw 165 into the club head 100 from the sole side or the bottom side and threading it into the bottom side of the adapter 160 to fix the adapter 160 to the club head 100. The opposite end of the adapter 160 can be configured to receive the end of the shaft, and thus can be configured to attach the shaft to the club head 100.

[0064] Referring particularly to FIGS. 11-14, the shell 110 can include a sole opening 115 configured to at least partially receive a sole insert 130 and / or a crown opening 117 configured to at least partially receive a crown insert 140. A part or all of the edges of the sole insert 130 and / or the crown opening 117 can include a concave step or lip configured to abut and support against the inner surfaces of the sole insert 130 and / or the crown opening 117, respectively.

[0065] Figures 12 to 14 show cross-sectional views of the shell 110 along line A-A, line B-B, and line C-C of FIG. 11, respectively. In each of FIGS. 12 to 14, corresponding portions of the recess 112, the opening 114, and the channel 116 can be seen. Comparing FIGS. 12 to 14, it becomes apparent that the recess 112, the opening 114, and / or the channel 116 can have various widths, various depths, and / or can curve rearward along the sole. Further, the recess 112 (e.g., the trailing edge of the recess) can be connected to the channel 116 (e.g., the leading edge of the channel 116) via one or more trusses 118 (or ribs) that help to disperse stress through the club head 110, minimize the potential for damage, and extend the service life of the club head 100.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, different configurations are contemplated. For example, the protrusion 150 can be at least partially (or completely) located in the rear heel quadrant of the sole (as in FIG. 15, for example), or the protrusion 150 can be located at a substantially central position, such as along the trailing edge of the club head 100 (as in FIG. 16, for example). Alternatively or additionally, the protrusion 150 can be at least partially (or completely) located in the rear toe quadrant of the sole. The club head 100 can include a plurality of protrusions 150, which can be of the same or different sizes or shapes. Alternatively or additionally, one protrusion 150 can include a weight opening 152 and a weight 155, and the other protrusion can omit the weight opening 152 and / or the weight 155.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the sole insert 130 can be configured such that most (or all) of the sole insert 130 is located in the rear toe quadrant of the sole (e.g., as in FIG. 15). Alternatively, the sole insert 130 can be configured such that approximately half of the sole insert is located in the rear toe quadrant of the sole and approximately half of the sole insert 130 is located in the rear heel quadrant of the sole (e.g., as in FIG. 16). Alternatively, the sole insert 130 can be configured such that most (or all) of the sole insert 130 is located in the rear heel quadrant of the sole. The crown insert 140 can be configured the same as or substantially the same as that described herein with respect to the sole insert 130.

[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 17A - 17D, the insert 120 can include a central portion 122 and wings 124, 126. The wings 124, 126 may be at opposite ends of the central portion 122. The central portion 122 can have a first shape (e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, square, rectangular), and one or both of the wings 124, 126 can have a second shape (e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, square, rectangular). The wings 124, 126 can have the same or different shapes. At least a portion of the central portion can be substantially parallel to at least a portion of the ball striking face 101 (e.g., the center of the ball striking face 101 or near it, the "sweet spot" of the ball striking face 101 or the ideal contact location or near it). Alternatively, the central portion 122 can be offset from the center and / or "sweet spot" of the ball striking face 101. The recess 112 can include wings on both sides of the central portion. The wings 124, 126 can be made substantially the same so that the insert 120 is symmetric (e.g., with respect to a plane extending between the sole and the crown and between the ball striking face 101 and the rear portion 102), or substantially symmetric. Alternatively, the wings 124, 126 can have different sizes and / or shapes so that the insert 120 is asymmetric. The wings 124, 126 can extend rearwardly and outwardly. That is, the heel side wing 124 can extend from the central portion 122 in a direction that at least partially extends toward the heel end 103 and / or at least partially extends toward the rear portion 102. Similarly, the toe side wing 126 can extend from the central portion in a direction that at least partially extends toward the toe end 104 and / or at least partially extends toward the rear portion 102. The wings 124, 126 can extend linearly or substantially linearly. Alternatively, the wings 124, 126 can be curved. One or both ends of the insert 120 (e.g., the tips of the toe side and / or heel side wings 124, 126) can be tapered to a smaller thickness.Alternatively or additionally, one or both ends of the insert 120 can have a substantially constant thickness.

[0069] The foremost part of a given wing can be shifted rearward from the foremost part closest to the central portion. That is, the rearmost part of the leading edge of the central portion can be closer to the ball striking face than the foremost part of one or both wings. Alternatively or additionally, the part of the leading edge of the central portion closest to the toe and / or the part closest to the heel can transition directly to the most central part of the leading edge of one or both wings.

[0070] The insert 120 can be configured to be permanently fixed to the club head 100. Alternatively, the insert 120 can be removably attached (e.g., via a snap, friction fit, or deformable lip that overlaps the edge of the club head 100) so that inserts 120 of different weights can be exchanged to achieve a desired mass distribution and / or performance characteristics.

[0071] Regardless, the insert 120 can include a protrusion 128 configured to extend inwardly within the opening 114 of the recess 112. The protrusion 128 can have a cross-sectional shape and size substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the opening. The protrusion 128 can include a lip 129 around a part or all of the outermost edge of the protrusion 128. The lip 129 can include an elastically deformable material configured to deform upon insertion into the opening 114 (and / or can include the same material as the remainder of the insert body). The inner surface of the lip 129 can be chamfered to assist in facilitating the passage of the protrusion 128 and the lip 129 through the opening 114. When the lip 129 passes through the end of the sidewall of the opening, the lip 129 can return to its original shape and the outer surface of the lip 129 abuts against the end of the sidewall of the opening 114 to hold the insert 120 within the opening 114 and the recess 112 and / or attach the insert 120 to the club head 100.

[0072] Insert 120 can include one or more channels 127 that extend through the inward-facing surface of insert 120 that can expose weight 125 to the interior volume of club head 100. Channels 127 can extend from the inward-facing surface of insert 120 to weight 125 (as shown in FIG. 18). Channels 127 can be formed, for example, when weight 125 is suspended in a mold to form insert 120 such that weight 125 is suspended within insert 120 when formed. Alternatively or additionally, pins used to suspend weight 125 in a mold can remain within channels 127 such that the pins can extend inwardly into the interior volume of club head 100 after insert 120 is assembled with club head 100.

[0073] As described above, insert 120 can include a substantially opaque material (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17C) or a substantially translucent or substantially transparent material (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17F). A substantially transparent or translucent material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane) can enable visibility of internal components such as insert weight 125. The insert can further include a UV-resistant additive or a colorant (e.g., blue) to prevent unwanted yellowing or other unattractive color changes of insert 120.

[0074] The technologies and designs presented in this specification offer many advantages over prior art golf club head designs. These advantages include, but are not limited to, improved performance, reduced vibration, and increased durability. Further, the relatively high density of the weight insert 120, and / or the insert 120 being located low (e.g., near or at the sole) and forward (e.g., near the ball striking face), where otherwise a lower density elastomeric material or air would be included, can effectively lower the location of the sweet spot on the face of the club head, thereby reducing the backspin of the struck golf ball and / or improving the performance of the club head 100. As an example regarding improved performance, the club head 100 (e.g., the insert 120 located in or near the recess 112 and / or the opening 114, the club head 100 and / or the shell 110) can be configured to flex and / or compress more easily by the stresses induced during impact between the golf club head and the ball as compared to existing club head designs. This increased flexibility and / or compressibility can increase the energy return when the ball leaves the face (e.g., as compared to a similar club having a conventional slot with a toe end wall and a heel end wall). In other words, the technology of the present disclosure can increase the coefficient of restitution of the club head. Additionally, the mass distribution provided by the weight insert and / or other sole features disclosed herein can reduce the resulting spin imparted to the ball (e.g., by distributing the mass within the club head such that the center of gravity is near the sole and the ball striking face), thereby improving the flight and / or trajectory of the ball.

[0075] Furthermore, the various features of the sole disclosed herein can improve the durability and service life of the golf club head. For example, the insert 120 and / or the truss 118 can distribute the stress received during impact over a wider area of the golf club head. This can minimize the possibility of stress concentration at any given point on the golf club head, and thus minimize the possibility of breakage or damage to the golf club head.

[0076] It should be understood that various designs consistent with the technology of the present disclosure are contemplated herein. For example, referring to FIGS. 20A-20E, the recess 112 and / or the insert 120 can have a shape that substantially omits the aforementioned wings 124, 126. As a specific example, the shape of the recess 112 and / or the insert 120 can extend to the outermost point (e.g., heel side) near or at the foremost edge of the recess 112 and / or the insert 120. Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the recess 112 and / or the insert 120 can extend to the outermost point (e.g., toe side) near or at the center (in the front-rear direction) of the recess 112 and / or the insert. Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the recess 112 and / or the insert 120 can extend to the outermost point near or at the rearmost edge of the recess 112 and / or the insert 120.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the length of the opening 114 can be offset with respect to the length of the recess 112, as shown, for example, in FIG. 20B. Although the opening 114 is shown as being advantageously offset in the heel direction, the opening may be advantageously offset in the toe direction. Alternatively, the opening 114 can be disposed at the center in the toe-heel direction within the recess 114.

[0078] Similarly, the width of the opening 114 can be offset with respect to the width of the recess 112. For example, the opening 114 can be advantageously offset forwardly or advantageously offset rearwardly. Alternatively, the opening 114 can be disposed at the center in the front-rear direction within the recess 114.

[0079] Furthermore, the techniques of the present disclosure include golf club heads that include some of the elements disclosed herein but omit other elements. For example, the protrusion 150 can be omitted. Alternatively or additionally, one or more slidable weights 170 can be disposed on one or more corresponding tracks 172 that can be located on the sole of the club head 100. The one or more tracks 172 can extend from the most rearward point such that the V-shape opens toward the ball striking face and form a generally V-shape that extends in the forward toe and forward heel directions.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the recess 112 and / or the insert 120 (and / or the opening 114) can include a bent portion, as shown, for example, in FIG. 21A. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the recess 112, the insert 120, and / or the opening 114 can vary along the length of the recess 112, the insert 120, and / or the opening 114, and / or the length of the recess 112, the insert 120, and / or the opening 114 can vary along the width of the recess 112, the insert 120, and / or the opening 114.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, as shown in FIG. 21C, the club head can include a separate weight 180 disposed at a generally central position in the heel-toe direction and at a position rearward from the recess 112.

[0082] Although several embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various improvements and enhancements can be made that fall within the scope of the following claims, both now and in the future.

Claims

1. A golf club head, a hollow body including a shell defining at least a part of an outer surface of the golf club head, the hollow body including a ball striking face, a crown, a hosel, a sole, and a rear end on an opposite side of the ball striking face, a recess located in the sole and extending inwardly toward an interior of the hollow body, an opening located in the recess and extending inwardly toward the interior of the hollow body, the opening being defined by one or more side walls, and a weight insert configured to be inserted into the recess and the opening, the weight insert including an insert body having a first end, a second end, and a central portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the first end extending outwardly from the central portion in a toe - heel direction, and the second end extending outwardly from the central portion in a heel - toe direction, and a weight disposed within the insert body. A golf club head.

2. The weight insert further includes a first wing extending outwardly from the first end in a direction extending at least partially in a toe - heel direction and at least partially in a front - rear direction, and a second wing extending outwardly from the second end in a direction extending at least partially in a heel - toe direction and at least partially in the front - rear direction, and at least one of the first and second wings has a first width at a proximal end with respect to the central portion and a second width at a distal end with respect to the central portion, the first and second widths being measured in the front - rear direction. The golf club head according to claim 1.

3. ​The golf club head according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second wings tapers from the first width to the second width.

4. The first wing has the first width and the second width, The proximal end is the first proximal end, The distal end is the first distal end, The second wing has a third width at a second proximal end with respect to the central portion and a fourth width at a second distal end with respect to the central portion, and the third and fourth widths are measured in the front-rear direction, The third width is different from the first width, The golf club head according to claim 2.

5. The first wing has the first width and the second width, The proximal end is the first proximal end, The distal end is the first distal end, The second wing has a third width at a second proximal end with respect to the central portion and a fourth width at a second distal end with respect to the central portion, and the third and fourth widths are measured in the front-rear direction, The fourth width is different from the second width, The golf club head according to claim 2.

6. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the recess has the same cross-sectional shape as the cross-sectional shape of the weight insert such that one or more outer surfaces of the weight insert contact one or more walls of the recess.

7. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the rearmost part of the leading edge of the central portion of the weight insert is closer to the ball striking face than the foremost part of one of the first and second ends.

8. The golf club head according to claim 7, wherein the rearmost portion of the leading edge of the central portion of the weight insert is closer to the ball striking face than the foremost portions of both the first and second ends.

9. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight insert is symmetric along a plane extending in the sole-crown direction and the front-rear direction.

10. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the minimum width of the central portion of the weight insert is located at or near the midpoint of the central portion.

11. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the minimum width of the central portion of the weight insert is located on the center line of the ball striking face.

12. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight insert further comprises a protrusion extending from the inner surface of the weight insert, and the protrusion is configured to at least partially extend into the opening of the recess.

13. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the protrusion of the weight insert comprises a lip configured to hold the weight insert in the opening by abutting against one or more surfaces of the side wall of the opening.

14. The golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the protrusion of the weight insert comprises a material that is elastically deformable.

15. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the shell is positioned at least (i) around the ball striking face, (ii) at the hosel, and (iii) between the crown and the sole, and comprises an integral part forming a skirt extending around a rear peripheral portion of the hollow body that extends between a front heel portion of the hollow body and a front toe portion of the hollow body, and the rear peripheral portion includes the rear end of the hollow body.

16. The shell further includes a sole opening and a crown opening, The golf club head, A sole insert attached to the shell and configured to cover the sole opening, A crown insert attached to the shell and configured to cover the crown opening further comprising, The golf club head according to claim 15.

17. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight includes a material having a density greater than the density of the weight insert.

18. The golf club head according to claim 17, wherein the shell further includes one or more trusses disposed inside the hollow body, and each of the one or more trusses extends between an inner surface of the recess and an inner surface of the channel.

19. The shell includes a protrusion extending outward from the shell, the protrusion includes a weight opening, The golf club head further includes a secondary weight configured to be at least partially inserted into the weight opening and extend into the hollow body, the secondary weight having a generally vertically elongated shape. The golf club head according to claim 1.

20. A golf club head, A hollow body including a shell that defines at least a portion of an outer surface of the golf club head, the hollow body including a ball striking face, a crown, a hosel, a sole, and a rear end opposite the ball striking face, A recess located in the sole and extending inwardly toward the interior of the hollow body, An opening located in the recess and extending inwardly toward the interior of the hollow body, the opening being defined by one or more side walls, A golf club head comprising a weight insert configured to be inserted into the recess and the opening, the weight insert including an elastically deformable material and a UV-resistant additive.

Images